Hi. I've recently replaced my 240 DL wagon (1990) with a 1993 850GLT, currently 170,000. Am nervous this may be a dud. Last owners maintained it consistently, so that seemed good. Learned after purchase that it was a salvage vehicle; lost a little confidence wtih CarFax's alert and warning. "One time" power loss while driving car with blower running high has repeated 2x more: Coming out of the carwash car wouldn't start until a moment waiting--no sounds when turning the key, just all the panel lights on. Happened again today after quick stop. Each time, car starts after moments' waiting, although this last time it was a rickety start, with first a refusal to go into gear, then had to gun the gas to keep it going. Battery is three years old and gets corrosion around the posts, however, battery was checked and deemed okay, and I'm thinking it's not the battery, starter or alternator since it happened that one time in the middle of driving? Been reading posts on the '93 850 and it seems to not have the best reputation with everyone, and all those references to pouring money into it --just don't have the resources here. My 240 wagon is still in the driveway; it's insides are worn out, the radio has been glitchy from day one, the back hatch won't stay up anymore, and my teenage daughters are mortified to ride in it; however, except for the constant Overdrive issue and related cruddy highway performance, I atleast felt safe with the kids in it, and want to feel the same about this one, which by the way is lovely to look at, inside and out. What do I want from this post? An educated guess about the current electrical stuff on the 850GLT, a take on owning a car with a salvage history, PLUS an opinion on whether I did the right thing to buy this in the first place? Hope it's not too much to ask, but don't know who else to ask. Thanks.

CarFax supposedly has a "buy-back" policy if they are wrong. They will refund your purchase price. Were you a member or did you use someone else's CarFax? Anyway, just a thought. The not going into gear/not starting sounds an awful lot like a Neutral Position switch (PNP switch). Anyway, good luck with what you decide to do.
--
1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon

For a 1993, it sounds normal. Remember, "salvage" is the insurance term for "it will cost more to repair than wholesale value". Usually, 850's can be easily fixed. If your alternator stopped working at a carwash, check the serpentine belt for wear and make sure you have a splash pan under the bumper to keep the water from getting on your belts.
As for your 240 wagon, don't give up on it! It sounds like it is in great shape. If the seatcovers are cloth, take them off and wash them, or buy "new" ones at a pick&pull junk yard (you will HAVE to wash them). Get new struts for the rear hatch, they are easy to put on, and a new radio? They are cheap at best buy, $100 for one that plays CDs. The overdrive is normally just the switch that needs replacement, rewire it to always be on - unless you tow a trailer.

Klaus

just a check